Tunbridge Wells Life

Exciting news - I am part of team that has launched a new website all about Tunbridge Wells!

We've been working on this site for almost a year now and it's great that we can now reveal the work of all our labours...and of course there is more to come from it. The photos taken on this site will be constantly updated, and eventually you will be able to buy the images too. So, even if you aren't able to come and visit the area, you can still download some fantastic and beautiful photographs. We are also hoping to add the facility to purchase books and leaflets about the area as well.

There are pages for local businesses to advertise on, a catalogue of local events (and my running and upcoming tours) and our accessibility expert, Eve, will be able to let you know about getting out and about in the town if you are in a wheelchair.

We are aiming for this to be for locals and tourists alike the best website to access for information about Tunbridge Wells. It's a work in progress but we have had so much positive feedback so far from everyone who has been on the site.

What is this site, I hear you cry?! Well, it's called Tunbridge Wells Life - and can be found here: www.tunbridgewellslife.co.uk

Enjoy, Explore and meet all the Team! And let me know what you think. 

Happy St David's Day - 1st March

Well, I'm back!! Apologies it's been so long since I've been on my blog updating - planning and organising fantastic tours for 2012 have taken over and I've neglected my blogging duties.

I will soon be able to reveal exciting news re some Tunbridge Wells projects I have running at the moment, as well as other new tours to come around the South East. Remember that I can create tours to your interests, whether it's just for a couple, family, group or corporate team.

I thought I would start my new blog with a lovely sunny picture of a daffodil, especially as the sun has been shining all day here. It was the first time today that I could sit out without a coat on and do some studying outside!! Let's hope the weather hasn't lulled us into a false sense of security!

The Daffodil is significant for today, as it is St David's Day (or Dydd Gwyl Dewi) - St David being the Patron Saint of Wales. St David is said to have been born in Wales in the 5th Century and founded a monastic community at Glyn Rhosin. It is said he died on 1 March 588 CE.

Walking around town today I could see a few daffodils pinned to people's coats and jackets. It's a brave person who dons the leek as well - another emblem, along with the daffodil, often worn by the Welsh (and a rather yummy vegetable too!).

Of course the 1st March heralds the start of Spring here in the UK. Looking forward to the season ahead and sharing it with you!

A Festive Tunbridge Wells

Unbelievably, it is just over 2 weeks until Christmas! Everyone has gone shopping crazy and the adverts on TV are shouting deals left, right and centre. Well, what about doing something a bit different? Get away from the crowds and enjoy some family time, and get into the Christmas spirit by taking part in one of the many activities we have taking place this year in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Currently running are The Pantiles' Christmas Treasure Hunts. There is a hunt for children with separate prizes to be won, and the same again for Adults. Over £300 worth of prizes have to be won - if you don't take part, you won't be in with a chance! And for only £1.00 and £2.00 each respectively, a bargain when most prizes are worth upwards of £30.00. You can pick the hunts up at any time (until last day 20 Dec) - all details are on my Events page.

Once you've completed your Pantiles Hunt, there is a Conundrum you can complete as a family for The Camden Road Christmas Market (17 Dec 2011). It's the first year of the Christmas Market here and I was asked to produce a family treasure hunt for this area with historical aspects to this very interesting and overlooked part of Tunbridge Wells. Again a fabulous hamper to be won, with prizes donated from the shops of Lower Camden Road within it! 

If you haven't quite got into the festive mood with the Hunts, then I'd suggest a Lantern Lit Christmas Traditions Tour around The Pantiles. Starting at 4.30pm from outside the Tourist Information Centre, on Thursday's up to Christmas - so the 15th and 22nd are left now, plus Saturday 17th December. For £5.00 per person (children under 10 years old are free) you get to learn about how and why we celebrate Christmas today the way that we do! Come learn about Wren Hunting, Boy Bishops, Stir Up Sunday and Dumb Cake!

And if that hasn't got the kids excited, then there is one Children's Christmas and Storytelling Activity day you can get them booked in on - Sunday 18th December in The Corn Exchange on The Pantiles. At either 10.30am or 2.30pm you can bring your children along to have a Christmas story (written by local children's author Tony Streeter) read to them, and then they can enjoy some activities. Children take home all that they make plus a goodie bag with a chocolate treat in. Booking is essential for this as limited spaces in the Unit -  so please contact me asap, as places going fast. Cost is £3.50 per child (ages 3 years old +) - adult's free! (Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times).

After all that festive fun I think I will be ready to put my feet up, a sherry in hand, and wish everyone all over the world, whether you celebrate Christmas or not, a very happy, healthy and peaceful festive period and New Year!